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Adam Holdenrid Earns Prestigious Rawlings Gold Glove Award

Huskie senior is the lone pitcher among nine Division I defensive standouts honored



Adam Holdenrid was perfect in 27 fielding chances in 2008.

June 17, 2008

DeKALB, Ill. - The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) announced Northern Illinois pitcher Adam Holdenrid (Mendota, Ill./Mendota) as one of nine Division I recipients of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award. One player from each position is chosen from across the nation and presented with the prestigious award for outstanding defensive performance.

Holdenrid, the lone Mideast Region representative, will receive a Gold Glove trophy similar to those given to at the 18 Major Leaguers who earn the same distinction each season. The lefthander was perfect in 27 fielding chances, including 20 assists, in 13 starts during his senior season in 2008. For the year, Holdenrid went 5-5 with a 4.75 ERA, one complete game and 51 strikeouts in 77.2 innings and set career highs across the board.

"It is very exciting to earn an award like this," said Holdenrid. "After I was told that I received the Gold Glove award, I was shocked to find out that there was only one team selected and I was part of only nine players across the nation to be honored."

"Adam obviously had a very good year on the mound defensively, which was a key part of his overall success," said head coach Ed Mathey. "I am happy not only for Adam, but for [assistant] Coach [Ray] Napientek and his approach to defense with the pitching staff. This award is another indication of the continued growth and visibility of Northern Illinois baseball on a national level."

A committee made up of eight head coaches, representing each region, selected the award winners prior to the start of the College World Series in Omaha. Monmouth's Dean Ehehalt (East) chaired the committee and was joined by Oregon's George Horton (West), Middle Tennessee State's Steve Peterson (South Central), Vanderbilt's Tim Corbin (South), Massachusetts' Mike Stone (Northeast), Northern Iowa's Rick Heller (Midwest), Ohio's Joe Carbone (Mideast) and Virginia's Brian O'Connor (Atlantic).

 

 

Mathey is a member of Rawlings advisory board and the Huskies have a contract with the sporting goods manufacturer for gloves, bats, and catcher equipment.

-NIU-